Hokies Believe Better Times Ahead

Experienced Qb A Plus For Tech

BLACKSBURG — To say the absolute least, Frank Beamer's return to his alma mater has not resembled a Hollywood screenplay.

In two years as Virginia Tech's head coach, Beamer has known victory on only five Saturdays. His start is the worst here since Robert McNeish won one game from 1948-50.

Beamer has faced obstacles. NCAA sanctions, lost scholarships and a difficult schedule have made winning virtually impossible.

But Beamer believes better times are ahead for Tech, which averaged 7.7 victories from 1980-86.

"I think we're in the best position to win the most football games with the talent we have and the schedule we face in my years here," Beamer said. "In terms of wins and losses, I think we're going to be better."

Point production was the Hokies' major problem. Tech's offense was able to move the ball effectively, but struggled ("choked," Beamer said) as it approached the goal line. Throw out a 41-14 victory over defenseless Cincinnati and the Hokies averaged only 13.6 points a game.

Beamer blames that impotency on inexperience. Quarterback Will Furrer was a freshman, and often it showed. The 6-foot-3 native of Washington state completed 45.9 percent of his passes and threw 16 interceptions, the most since Don Strock in 1972.

"I think you'll see a big difference in him," said Rickey Bustle, Furrer's position coach. "He studies the game more than anybody I've ever been around. I think a lot of us forget that he was a freshman last year."

Split end Myron Richardson and flanker Nick Cullen, who combined for 60 catches but only one touchdown, both are returning starters. Marcus Mickel, a sophomore from Denbigh, figures to back up Cullen.

Tech landed four recruits who could provide immediate help. Kevin Bennett of Miami and junior college transfer Michael Sturdivant are considered to be the best of the group.

Starter Brian McCall and Ken Barefoot both return to make the tight end position a strength.

The Hokies lost leading rusher Ralph Brown to grades, but junior Jon Jeffries returns. He started the first four games last year before suffering a rash of injuries. The Washington, D.C., native will be backed up by redshirt freshman Tony Kennedy, a pleasant surprise in the spring.

Guard Skip Pavlik is the only returning starter to the offensive line. Redshirt sophomore Todd Meade will start at the other guard spot and Eugene Chung and Jimmy Bryson will nail down the two tackle spots. Rob Vaughn, a part-time starter last fall, is back at center.

Two returning defensive starters and a dependable backup were declared academically ineligible during the summer, leaving the Hokies with less experience and depth. Horacio Moronta combined with Scott Hill to give Tech one of the best tackle tandems in the country, but Moronta's career ended with grade difficulty.

Redshirt sophomore Bryan Campbell will join Hill (76 tackles, a team-high seven quarterback sacks). Ends Al Chamblee and Jimmy Whitten return, but Whitten has been suspended from the team until assault charges against him are resolved. He goes to court Sept. 6.

Tech is deep at linebacker, although part-time starter Don Stokes quit the team for personal reasons over the summer. Outside linebackers Sean Lucas and Jock Jones are strong and quick. Randy Cockrell and Bobby Martin will start on the inside.

The loss of safety Scott Rice to grades seriously damages the Hokies' secondary. Sophomore speedster Damien Russell will start at Rice's position, flanked by cornerbacks Roger Brown and John Granby. Mitch Dove, the fourth man in Beamer's rotation, also was lost to grades.

The kicking game is weak. Chris Kinzer, the school's scoring leader, is gone. Mickey Thomas, who like Kinzer is a straight-on graduate of Pulaski County High, is expected to kick extra points and field goals. Walk-on Jimmy McKechnie of Tabb may handle kickoff duties. Chris Baucia returns as the Hokies' punter.

Offensive analysis: Beamer is expecting big improvement from a unit that self-destructed whenever it got near the goal line. Furrer (1,384 yards, six touchdowns, 16 interceptions) should benefit from last year's experience. Ralph Brown, who led the Hokies in rushing last fall with 514 yards, is academically ineligible, but Jeffries started the first four games last year before being sidelined by injuries.